A workplace injury can be life-changing, but that doesn’t mean your daily life stops. When you first become injured, it’s likely you’ll have a lot of time you didn’t have before to focus on rest and recovery. Prioritizing your medical care above all else is critical, especially during those first days. However, it’s not always realistic to avoid all of life’s other responsibilities as time goes on. Sometimes big events require you to travel. But can you travel while on workers’ compensation? The short answer is it depends.
Can You Travel While on Workers’ Compensation?
When considering if you can travel while on workers’ compensation, the first thing you need to think about is how severe your disability is. Your health should always be the main priority, and you should not do anything outside of your doctor’s recommendations. For example, say you are claiming a total disability following an injury at work. This designation means that you are unable to perform work in any capacity. Because of the totality of this injury, you likely would be considered unable to travel. If you have any doubt about your ability to travel, ask your doctor to confirm their recommendations.
Secondly, you also need to consider how you are traveling. A short road trip is likely much less strenuous on your body than a lengthy flight, especially when you factor in the walk through the airport, bending down to remove your shoes at the security checkpoint, and lifting and carrying heavy luggage. You should be careful not to engage in any activity that is outside of your doctor’s restrictions, as it could exacerbate your condition.
Thirdly, you also need to consider what the reason for travel is and what you plan on doing when you get to your destination. Even after you obtain workers’ compensation benefits, you may have people keeping tabs on what you are doing during your disability, including the insurance company. The insurance company is less likely to question the nature of your travel when it is for an important event such as a wedding or funeral. Again, no matter where your travels take you, you must follow your doctor’s orders exactly.
Can You Go on Vacation While on Workers’ Compensation?
While weddings, funerals, and doctor’s appointments warrant travel, you might also be wondering if you can go on vacation while on workers’ compensation. Again, this really depends on the nature of your case. If you are making a claim for lost wage benefits, you should only go on vacation if your doctor believes you are physically able to do so. You should also follow their orders and restrictions if you do go on vacation.
Speak With a Trusted Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workers’ compensation cases are complicated. Even after receiving benefits, you still may have questions about what you can and can’t do, including travel. If you have any doubts about traveling for any reason, speak with an experienced attorney. Lewis & Lewis is here to help clear up any confusion and ensure you keep the benefits you’re entitled to.
